5 reasons you should start doing Group Fitness Classes ASAP

When I first started working out in 2013, I literally had no idea what I was doing. So in an effort to actually use my GoodLife Fitness membership, I decided to take weekend Zumba classes. And that’s where my true love of fitness began. Not necessarily with Zumba, although it’s a great class, but with group fitness classes in general.

But somewhere along the way, I stopped attending. And eventually, I stopped working out altogether. Coincidence? I’m beginning to think it wasn’t. So I’ve decided to try adding group fitness classes back into my life.

If you’re not in the same boat as I am and you actually work out frequently, you may be thinking that group fitness classes aren’t for you. But there are so many benefits of group fitness classes for everyone, not just beginners or born again gym goers. So today I’m going to tell you why I think you should make them a part of your workout schedule, whether you’re a seasoned athlete, regardless of your fitness level.

Benefits of Group Fitness Classes

1. They’re Challenging

I hate lunges. Give me leg presses, curls or extensions any day and I’m usually okay. But lunges? All of a sudden my knees are too weak, I broke a nail, I gotta wash my hair…basically I’ll say anything to avoid lunges.

But when I’m in a BodyPump class and those two leg tracks come on, I’m able to push myself way further than I would on a regular leg day. Maybe it’s my competitive spirit that won’t allow me to quit others are still lunging or maybe the other people in the class just motivate me to keep going. Whatever it is, something about group fitness classes always challenges me get out of my comfort zone and do my absolute best.

2. No Thinking Required

There are days when I drag myself to the gym only to realise that I’ve used all my higher brain power just getting there. In those situations deciding what workout to do is literally beyond me. And I usually end up having the crappiest workout ever. Or, I may just stay home altogether because I know I’ll just half ass two exercises then leave.

But when those I-don’t-know-what-to-do-today feelings start showing up, group fitness classes are exactly what I need. Because you don’t actually need to think. Okay, yeah, you need to think about those basic things like breathing and moving your feet. But you don’t have to actually come up with your own workout. Can I get a hallelujah?!?

3. Learn New Skills

Group exercise classes are a great place to learn new things and how to do them properly, without paying out the eyeteeth for a personal trainer.

I’d never done or even considered doing a deadlift or a clean and press before going to BodyPump. But after attending a few classes, they quickly became a couple of my favourite exercises. Same goes for half the things we do in every hot yoga class. And if you’re open to trying boutique classes, there are classes like Barre or SoulCycle that can give you a workout like you’ve never imagined, in a completely new-to-you way.

4. Make New Friends

I don’t have many friends at my current gym because I usually go with my new gym buddies. But a few years ago when I lived in Mississauga and knew like 2 people, I had quite a few gym friends and I met them all through group classes.

Trust me, you definitely make lifelong friends while suffering through all the basics, straddles and knee ups in BodyStep or the dreaded lunges in BodyPump or burpees in BodyAttack. Plus, once you’ve made all those awesome friends, you have yet another reason to make it to the gym for your next workout.

5. Hear Great Music

I talked about this in my post on creating epic workout playlists, but I thought it was worth mentioning again.

I don’t know about the classes at your gym, but those Les Mills people really know how to throw together a soundtrack. No playlist I come up with on my own can compete with the songs on BodyAttack 79. They somehow manage to keep me motivated through an hour of one of the most cardio-intensive classes I’ve ever taken. And I hate cardio, so that should give you an idea of how great it is.

Plus, I can take those awesome songs and add them to my personal playlists for those times I decide to do my own thing at the gym.

Comments

I love group exercise classes, they are so motivating. I think they’re the perfect place for people new to working out to start too because of all the reasons you mentioned.Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Live Fit Week 5 & Toronto Marathon Workout Recap

I love this! I typically work out alone (in my living room, during nap time) but not because I prefer that over group fitness classes. I would take classes anytime, any day if I could! I love the group participation, challenging myself with others around, and the not thinking part. I hate workout mind games. Someone just tell me what to do!

I am actually not a fan of group training. I think for me is I get very whelmed when I am in a large group. It’s definitely out of my confront zone. I know it’s so important though, so I tried to do it at least one a week , because I know how good it is for me

YES! Nothing gets me to the gym besides my beloved Les Mills classes. I finally joined a gym here in my college town with classes, and it’s so worth it. There’s something about the music and choreography and synchronization that kind of gives me a fitness high. Hahaha, is that weird? Gah, I just love group classes.

I have worked out alone in a gym, with a personal trainer, and in group fitness classes. It really depends on what my needs are at the time. But personal trainer or group fitness classes will generally always push you more than you will push yourself. Thanks for sharing!

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I totally agree with you about this. I used to work out alone at a gym but after that I found it is not good and I decided to take park in group fitness class. I think It is a perfect place to work out and It also make me feel more confident and make friends. Thank you for your sharing.

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These are very valid points for group excersising. I personally prefer training in a goop whenever possible as it gives me the motivation and drive to contiue. Plus I basically live for the storys and the experience sharing in work out sessions…!Odessa recently posted…What is the Best Weight Bench to Buy in 2016?

I agree that it’s important you feel challenged. A lot of us go easy on ourselves with workouts. Not only do classes help challenge you, that can elevate your expectation for yourself and motivate you to do better. It’s that extra push that accountability provides!

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[…] been going to GoodLife Fitness for about 4 years now and I absolutely love it. I started off with group fitness classes then transitioned to lifting as I found my groove and got more serious about working out. And I […]

[…] were so many people at the gym when I first started who pushed me to do more. The ladies in my group classes like BodyPump, BodyAttack and BodyStep, were a constant source of advice and inspiration. When I […]